Plasencia

Plasencia is a city and municipality in the province of Cáceres, located in the northwestern part of Extremadura, Spain. It lies near the Jerte Valley and has historically served as a regional center for administration, trade, and religious life, linking Castile with Portugal.

The city’s history extends from ancient times, with greater growth in the medieval period after the Reconquista, when it received royal charters that fostered commerce and governance. Over the centuries, Plasencia developed a notable urban core that preserved its medieval street layout and a concentration of religious and civil monuments.

Today the historic center remains a key feature, displaying architectural layers from Romanesque to Renaissance and Baroque influences. The city houses a cathedral complex and other churches, along with secular monuments such as the Palacio de Mirabel, a Renaissance palace associated with the local nobility. The surrounding streets, squares, and gates reflect Plasencia’s long-standing role as a regional hub.

Economically, Plasencia functions as a service and commercial center for the surrounding rural areas, while also serving as a base for tourism linked to Extremadura’s natural and cultural attractions. The nearby Jerte Valley is renowned for its cherry production and natural scenery, drawing visitors to the region in spring.

As of the early 2020s, the population is around 40,000. The town is connected by road and rail to other parts of Extremadura and Spain, reflecting its continued importance as a regional center.